The Differences Between Karcher Pressure Washers

Review By Pressure Washer Reviewer - 6th January 2015

Continuing its legacy in pressure washers, Karcher, a prominent brand has come up with world class technology to produce impressive and powerful pressure washers. From removal of dirt to stubborn paint, the various models of pressure washer will make your work seem quick and effortless. Young or even the elderly, all can efficiently make use of this devices.

Karcher pressure washer Specification

The table below compares the specifications of the different models, the higher up the model the bigger and better the spec, from higher pressure and water flow, to longer a longer hose.

Which Karcher Pressure Washer should I buy?

The Karcher pressure washer range includes:

Karcher K2 – It is compact, powerful and lightweight. It comes with lance, trigger gun and cable storage. There is a detergent suction tube for application of detergents. It has an ergonomic carry handle. Its water inlet prevents dirt particles from damaging the pump and it comes with a warranty of 2 years.

Karcher K4 – It has a motor which is water cooled and has an aluminium head pump. It has a rapid system for the high-pressure hose, includes a plug ‘n’ clean system for changing its course over different detergents. It comes with a lance, trigger gun and cable storage as well as a warranty of 3 years. Ideal for car cleaning this pressure washer is a great choice.

Karcher K5 – It has a motor which is water cooled and has a pump of aluminium. It comes with an eco rotator switch and it cuts electricity and water usage by 20%. It has a rapid system high pressure hose. Plug ‘n’ clean system for changing course over different detergents. It also has a suction hose for drawing water from a tank or it can be attached to your outdoor water tap, it comes with a filter kit and a warranty of 5 years.

Karcher K7 – The top rate model come with a water cooled motor. It comes with an eco rotator switch and it cuts electricity and water by 20%. It has a rapid system high pressure hose. Plug ‘n’ clean system for changing course over different detergents. It comes with a warranty of 5 years.

Editors Choice: Karcher K4

We love the Karcher K4, it is a good all rounder that has enough power for most tasks without breaking the bank. Perfect for car cleaning and washing down your patio and drive after winter.Check it Out

What are the differences between the Premium & Compact models?

Depending on which model you are looking at they all have the same spec, for example it you were looking at getting the K5 Pressure washer, there is no difference in terms of performance weather you go for the home, premium or compact, they all have a 2100 watt motor, giving 145 bar pressure, they all come with a 8m hose and have a flow rate of 500 litres per minute. So the internal power and pressure is the same which ever model you go for.

The differences are in how it is housed and how it is from the outside. There premium model has on board storage for attachments as well as a place to store and hold the trigger gun. On the premium model there is also a hose reel on the back for the lengthy 8m high pressure hose. With all this extra weight the design is very robust, it has large wheels to make it easy to move, however it is heaveir and bulkier than the compact for instance.

The compact version is just that, more compact, there is no on board storage or a hose reel built in, it is designed to make the main unit as small as possible while still packing the powerful punch inside. Although the compact is smaller in size you still need to also store the hose and attachments somewhere else. With it being smaller it is also lighter making it easier to move and carry if needed.

Compact, Eco, Home and Premium

K2, K4, K5 and K7; each comes with different packages – compact, eco and premium. K2 is air cooled while K4, K5 and K7 are water cooled. Also the number of accessories that come with each model may differ.

Recently the Eco models have been discounted, although can still be bought online, with the new Full Control range you can choose between the home and premium packages. The spec of the pressure washer remains the same, however the attachments that come with it differ.

All models are robust and easy to use, setting up and for the first time and using it to clean your car. All models are good enough for cleaning down patio furniture, bike or car, however if you plan to use it more regularly then do look for a more powerful model. If you want to use a pressure washer for your patio and driveway then do look t models from the K4, K5 range, as these pack a bigger punch and will make a huge difference to the entry level K2.

Choose the appliances according to the work to be employed in for the best results. Do not fear spending when the premium version is needed.

What is the difference between Karcher K2 and K2 compact?The specification of the K2 is the same throughout, the pressure is still 110 bar with a 1400 watt motor that is air-cooled. The differences are in the casing and design, that compact K2 is what it says, more compact, it is designed to be as small as possible and easy to carry. Where as the K2 Home and Premium models have wheels and an extended handle to allow you to pull the pressure washer around like a suitcase.

If you live in a flat, or have limited storage space then the K2 Compact is a great choice.

What is different about the Full Control Model?

In 2015 Karcher started rolling out a new update to its range of pressure washers which are titled under the ‘Full Control’ umbrella. Any model which includes this will include the new LED display trigger gun, this new design is to help guide you to the correct pressure setting for the surface you are trying to clean. It makes it easy to know which pressure setting to be on, you will want to be on max power for cleaning your patio removing dirt and grim that has been there for years, however while cleaning you car you will want to reduce this pressure as your may otherwise damage your car paintwork, so with the new trigger gun you can easily adjust this down to the desired setting.

As you can see in this image there are 4 LED settings with a little image that show the job it can be set for, such as brick work, your car, or fencing.

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25 Comments

Dan

Hi there,

Is there any actual difference between the k5 premium and the k5 compact?

I bought the k2 for my decking but it takes an age to do the job. My brother bought the k5 premium, which I borrowed and it does the job far quicker. I wouldn’t mind getting the k5 premium but my decking only needs to be cleaned once maybe twice a year so for the difference in cost I’m leaning towards the compact as it has the same output.

I’ve tried to look for what’s different between the 2 but haven’t really come acroas anything.

Hi Dan, In terms of spec there is no difference, they are both have a 2100 watt motor, 145 bar and a 8m hose. The differences is in the design and housing of it all.

The compact is literally more compact. There is no on board storage for the hose or attachments, it is also lighter and easier to carry.

Compared to the premium model, there is On Board Storage, a Integrated Hose Reel, a place to hold and store the trigger gun. The Kärcher K5 Premium Full Control Home Pressure Washer also comes with the new LED trigger gun and in the new design with the older model now being discontinued.

Dan

Alan Price

The K4 Premium Ecologic Home Pressure Washer is listed as 130 bar yet the speci states Max Pressure as 130 bar and High Pressure as 110 bar. What does this mean, is the maximum continuous output 130bar ?.

Sharon Hintze, Walchwil Switzerland

Dear Reviewer

I have a K 5.31. Can’t find any manuals for it. Cannot figure out how to get the detergent to flow into the water stream. No button obviously present. The tank is full and the little hose is in good condition. Any help would be appreciated.

Hi James, the spec of the K4 is the same, so the same power and pressure, the difference is that the Premium K4 has a Integrated Hose Reel, where as the Home K4 just has On Board Storage. The price difference is minimal but the spec/power is exactly the same.

Darren

Hi Can anyone give any advise or have any experience on the use of these pressure washers to clear out and wash the drains. Which pressure washer would you recommend or not and why. There is a drain cleaning kit with a special hose, is this effect at the job. Any advise would be much appreciated.

Hi John, the K2 Full Control is the latest model, it is redesigned and has a new trigger lancer on it. The compact model is smaller but has the same spec as the K2 Home pressure washer, it is the design that is different. The compact model is designed to be small so lacks on board storage where as the other models do.

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